What is this program? The LAUSD Arts Program is nationally recognized and incorporates the arts into our daily curriculum. In fact, many school districts across our nation look to the district program as a prototype in developing their own programs. It is funded by a grant from the state.

Each school year we have the benefit of three instructors, one for each of the three disciplines- visual arts, dance, and theater. Each instructor comes for a total of six weeks with each participating class receiving instruction once a week. We currently have fifteen of our classroom teachers in our arts cadre which means fifteen classes participate each year. More teachers will be added to the program in the coming years. However, all of our teachers benefit. During our professional development time the arts cadre members have the opportunity to share the lessons with their colleagues so that they may then present the lessons to their students. The lessons are designed to enhance the daily curriculum we are teaching and are aligned to the state standards. The lessons provide fun and enriching ways for students to create and explore while learning.

In addition to the fine instruction received by our instructors we also benefit by additional funding to purchase supplies and programs which reach all of our students school-wide.

Our students have enjoyed assemblies of performing arts for grades 4 & 5 and opera presentations for all grade levels. The coming year will bring musical presentations and dramatic story-telling assemblies. All presentations are performed by professional groups who have been chosen to work as partners in our schools to enhance the arts curriculum and often involve student participation.

We are very proud of our arts program and the positive influence it has on our students.